ABOUT
(b 1982) A fine arts and design graduate from University of Santo Tomas - Manila - Pauline Vicencio Despi draws inspiration from the noise and textures of her environment. The sound of machines in her grandfather's workshop and the flow of the river close to her childhood home influenced the style and themes of her art.
Her work involves moving imagery and sound; textures and nature; expanding the dimension in which her art can be experienced to create a unique brand of narrative fiction. Through sensorial approach and multi-discplinary collaborations with other artists, Pauline is able to amplify the events happening within and periphery of the self.
Recent exhibitions include ‘New Weave’ at National Gallery SG (Singapore/ AU), ’Situated Sounds’ (Toronto), ‘All Together Now: Sound X Design’ (Design Museum Chicago), ‘Composite Noises’ (Manila), Flame Video Art Fair (TP), and ‘Imperfect’ at Giffest 2023 (SG)’. She is 1/2 of ‘Sublingua, Submachines’ - an experimental laboratory she shares with her husband, whose works have been screened in National Museum Singapore, Artisan Queensland, Gasworks London, KLEX Kuala Lumpur Experimental Film and Music Fest, and Festival Accés Asié in Montreal.
Pauline is part of the 13 Southeast Asian Emerging Women Artists 2022 for ‘ARUS’ by Maybank Foundation, Malaysia.
Pauline on a hike in Mount Makiling gathering information and inspiration for her work.
Current Exhibition
Pablo 18th
Pablo 18th runs from September 16 to Oct 7, 2023 at Post Gallery, Cubao X - Manila, Philippines
Past Exhibition
ARUS
Southeast Asian Emerging Women Artist
Exhibition (Malaysia)
by Maybank Foundation
Past Exhibition
ALL TOGETHER NOW Sound x DESIGN
DESIGN MUSEUM CHICAGO (USA)
November 13, 2021 – April 3, 2022
ALL TOGETHER NOW (Sound x Design)
INTERACTIVE INSTALLATIONS
A Steady, Wavering Tone
A Steady, Wavering Tone
A Steady, Wavering Tone
A Steady, Wavering Tone, is a response to Tin F Garcia’s politically-charged A Sovereign Tea Party, the first exhibit in the series. For this exhibit — Pauline’s third solo show — she creates an immersive experience that combines sound, touch, and movement. She rigged Tin’s existing works with mics and sensors (which were done in collaboration with analog synth maker Mark Rambo), turning the works into instruments. Pauline is, in effect, sculpting the atmosphere using her art. With its aural explorations, A Steady, Wavering Tone represents a new direction in Pauline’s art, which used to primarily involve video.
Whereas A Sovereign Tea Party explored territorial disputes from a distance, A Steady, Wavering Tone makes that conflict more palpable. The two main installations in the exhibit — “This Lot Is Not For Sale” and “Tao Po” — create live aural feedback whenever the viewer interacts with them.
A Steady, Wavering Tone
A Steady, Wavering Tone
Pauline also scattered pebbles around the works, which recalls the practice of scattering stones around private property to deter intruders. By creating pieces that respond to the viewer’s movements, Pauline brings a strong, visceral currency to the space.
The sound could be interpreted as warning sirens, or calls to action. Or signals for help. When the viewer moves away, the sound dies down. This presents an interesting dilemma: that urgency relies on a person’s proximity to become palpable, to become real.
March 2 to 23, 2019 at PABLO GALLERY - The Fort.
R Photo:
Pauline and her son Grey, trekking in Mt. Makiling.
Displacement in the form of walking, running, or trekking - as sensorial approach of acquiring inspiration and information in art practice.
More about Pauline and her process in Instagram
